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Windstream

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3.2

Overall Score

LAST UPDATED: January 5th, 2024

Windstream began as a telephone company called Allied Telephone Company in 1943 based in Little Rock, Arkansas. Since then, Windstream has merged with other businesses to expand its service offerings and areas serviced and has become one of the many emerging providers giving access to rural areas. Windstream offers wireless, copper, fiber optic, cable, and broadband internet service.

Windstream offers internet speeds up to 1 Gpbs (1,000 Mbps) and provides unlimited data with no caps.

Customers should also know that Windstream filed for bankruptcy in February 2019.

Windstream provides internet service to residential users and businesses of all sizes. Windstream’s services are available in parts of Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Kentucky, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Texas.

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The Good

  • High-Speed Internet Service
  • Internet Security
  • Bundling
  • Customer Service and Support

High-Speed Internet Service 

Windstream offers high-speed internet service with speeds up to 1 Gbps and no data caps. These speeds are some of the fastest internet speeds in the industry. Here are three Windstream plans:

  • Kinetic 200
  • Kinetic 500
  • Kinetic GIG

The monthly cost of these plans varies. Additional taxes and fees, like an equipment fee or activation fee, may also apply. If you are also looking for TV service or phone service, Windstream offers deals when you bundle these.

The download and upload speeds available may vary depending on the plans in your area. Enter your address and zip code on Windstream's website to view specific information about your options.

Internet Security

Windstream customers can also add an internet service security package to protect their computer and internet against hacking. Windstream offers several security packages with prices ranging between $9.99 and $14.99 per month depending on the level of security a customer wants:

  • Connect Secure — $9.99 per month; internet security, Wi-Fi agent
  • Self Secure — $11.99 per month; Wi-Fi and whole home agent, identity theft protection
  • Total Secure — $14.99 per month; internet security, whole home and Wi-Fi agent, identity theft protection and Protection Plus

These customizable packages ensure that you can get the coverage you want without overspending for services you don't need.

Bundling

Windstream is also a TV provider and offers other communications services. It provides satellite and cable TV service, phone services, cloud services, and security services. Customers who are interested in purchasing another Windstream service in addition to internet can receive discounts.

Customer Service and Support

Windstream provides customers with 24/7 support. The company also provides how-to guides online that are helpful with setting up email, internet access, satellite and Kinetic TV, and phone services. These guides also cover other usage questions and have a live chat available to customers. Customers can receive help with their internet connection, router, modem, and TV service. 

Customer satisfaction is important to Windstream. Customers have access to an online account that they can use to pay bills. Additionally, customers can sign up for Windstream services online.

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The Bad

  • Limited Availability
  • Fees

Limited Availability

Windstream internet access is limited to 18 states. Some areas in these states are not serviced by Windstream broadband. You can check availability on the website by inputting your address. The upload and download speeds available, internet packages, and bundling options may also vary depending on your area.

Fees

Windstream does charge an early termination fee, an installation fee, equipment fees, and an activation fee. Customers have to pay for the equipment they use, like a router and modem. Some of these fees are waived for certain promotions.

Be sure you know whether you are getting a special price for only a certain promotional period and know what the regular price is before you sign up.

Windstream does charge an early termination fee of $20 per month remaining on the contract.

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The Bottom Line

Windstream is one of the best broadband providers to consider when looking for high-speed internet access. It offers a high broadband speed in many locations and has great customer support tools. Windstream is a reliable choice. Customers can also pay more for internet security services and save by bundling Windstream services.

Customers should be aware of promotional rates and offerings. Windstream customers must purchase the internet equipment they use, like a router and a modem. They should also carefully consider early termination, equipment, and activation fees associated with Windstream internet service before signing up.

If you are a consumer or business owner in the area serviced by Windstream, it is an internet service provider worth choosing.

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Star Rating

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1.0

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91 Reviews

Review Breakdown

5 grade

12%

4 grade

7%

3 grade

8%

2 grade

4%

1 grade

69%

Sentiment Criteria

Value

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Quality

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Service

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Christina Hirsh Dalton, GA

I was hesitant because it had one star reviews everywhere but my spectrum wasn't working at all and they were offering 3mo free +$45/mo after, no contract. So I did it. I have high speed internet, on multiple devices and hardly ever have any issues. When I do have issues bet if I drive down the road I see a Windstream tech working on something. They have good, human, English speaking customer service. I can't complain. I've had them 3 years, after taxes and all I pay $53/mo

3 years ago

star star star star star

Charles E Mickler

The company provides excellent internet speed and quality at a reasonable cost and provides regular upgrade offers to improve the service as such becomes available. Customer service can be somewhat slow and online service isn't always the best.

5 years ago

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Review Source

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Amanda Slezak

They are ok. Service wasn't bad. Had issues with the router from time to time but they managed to come out and get it fixed. Kind of hard to get a hold of anyone when they are called.

1 year ago

star star star star star

Gene

good customer service and they always provide anything i need . they also give me discounts for being a long time customer

5 years ago

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star star star star star

Rita Hopkins Austin, TX

In the country with a lot of trees and animals this service was reliable. My service was great. If I had a problem someone would come out same day most times.

1 year ago

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James Moss Newton, IA

I seldom have any problems with my internet. I think once out of the past 2 years it went down. That is great because who wants their internet to go down?

1 year ago

star star star star star

Felice

Really good service that was rarely needed. Unlimited usage that was fast enough

3 years ago

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Ron

Very fast data flow and never out of service. Have had no problems for years with Windstream.

4 years ago

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Review Source

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anupam sumessur Washington, DC

Perfect for my office. Never a problem. I need to switch to different servers and their service is so good.

1 year ago

star star star star star

Jane Brace

Great people to work with. Returns calls and works hard to fix any problems

3 years ago

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Anonymous

Fast speed. The installer was awesome. Very personable.

5 years ago